Student Experiences

No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them. They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education in the School of Law and Public Service. Could you be next?

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Michael Becerra, Ph.D., CRC Contract Rehabilitation Counseling Services Provider, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Adjunct Faculty UNT Dallas “My advice to prospective students in this field is to always keep your mind open to new possibilities and to new ideas. That’s the most challenging and rewarding part of my job.” Social Work Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Social Work Substance Abuse Counseling Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Substance Abuse Counseling
Roland Tay, M.D. Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield “I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.” Conflict Management Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Conflict Management
Vonda Bailey Judge, Dallas County 255th Family District Court “Along the way, we all get discouraged and might say, ‘Maybe I’m not worthy enough to go to law school.’ Well, I would want people to read my story and see, you know what, I can do this. I can get it done. ” Core Curriculum Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Core Curriculum
Constance Lacy, Ph.D., LCSW Senior Lecturer, Human Services, Management and Leadership UNT Dallas “When I started my associate degree, I was a single parent with two kids looking for a way to move forward in my life and my career. Who would have thought that 10 years later, I’d have a Ph.D. and be a university professor? Without the foundation I got in this program, I wouldn’t be here.” Social Work Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Social Work Substance Abuse Counseling Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Substance Abuse Counseling
LaTasha Maston Correctional Officer, Hutchins State Jail “And my advice for working and going back to school If you’re going to work full-time and go back to school, always have a good support system in place – it makes it all easier. When you have a dream or a goal, press for it. Don’t just put it on the back burner.” Criminal Justice Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Criminal Justice
Val Gonzales, Ph.D., LCDC, LPC Ordained Southern Baptist Minister “I’m glad that I’m in a profession where I can both help people and teach others how to help people too.” Social Work Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Social Work Substance Abuse Counseling Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Substance Abuse Counseling
Jacqueline Webb Fire Inspector, Dallas Fire Rescue “The classes are very interesting; they teach skills on how to be more adaptable and how to communicate and disseminate information better. The best thing I’ve learned is how to effectively apply knowledge to teach safety to citizens and fellow co-workers.” Fire Protection Technology Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Fire Protection Technology
Dale O. Taylor Dallas College student and minister “My experience at Dallas College has been great. The difference in college now and 30 years ago is amazing — when I graduated from college, we didn’t have laptops or cell phones. And all my Criminal Justice professors have had experience in the real world.” Criminal Justice Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Criminal Justice
Elijah Jackson Recent Dallas College graduate ““I told my mother and my grandmother that I was going to be a police officer. And it’s still here. I want to serve and protect.”” Criminal Justice Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Criminal Justice
Chase Gravis Cedar Valley student and hopeful future attorney “My experience at Cedar Valley has been fantastic. I like the teacher-to-student ratio because you get to know the teachers and they work with you; that’s a huge benefit. I’m glad I started out at community college. Besides, you save a ton of money.” Criminal Justice Lo6Tu5aLXo program-Criminal Justice